Headache mitigating apparatus

Abstract

The headache mitigating apparatus includes at least a transverse strap configured to wrap around a user's head in the manner of a hat band and at least one strap configured to extend under the user's occipital bone and rest along the user's upper neck as well as extending over the head strap at a forward end thereof. The apparatus can include bladders in the transverse and occipital straps, respectively. The bladders can be filled simultaneously or separately with a pneumatic hand pump such as those found on sphygmomanometers or may include an inflation apparatus which is operable via a push button, in a manner similar to that in which self-inflating items inflate. At least one strap may also accommodate a gel pack for heating or cooling. One or both straps may include buckles or hook and loop closures configured to be adjusted to secure the apparatus to the user's head.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A headache mitigating apparatus comprising:
 at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about a front to back circumference of a head of a user and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap having an internal releasably inflatable bladder to apply pressure against the suboccipital area. 
 
     
     
       2. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first adjustable strap is also releasably inflatable. 
     
     
       3. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second adjustable strap further incorporates a forwardly and upwardly extending portion disposed on an opposite side of the first strap as compared to the portion of the second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap. 
     
     
       4. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the forwardly and upwardly extension is also provided with a releasably inflatable bladder. 
     
     
       5. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the straps include bladders therein which may be inflated or deflated via use of a hand pump. 
     
     
       6. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the straps include bladders therein which may be inflated or deflated via use of a mechanical pump carried by the apparatus. 
     
     
       7. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the straps further include cavities therein into which replaceable hot or cold inserts may be inserted to apply heat or cold as desired. 
     
     
       8. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the straps further include hot or cold inserts which are permanently affixed to the straps. 
     
     
       9. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  further including a pressure control valve to limit inflation of the bladders. 
     
     
       10. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the cavities may alternatively house protrusion inserts that apply localized pressure. 
     
     
       11. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the cavities may alternatively house magnets. 
     
     
       12. The headache mitigating apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the cavities may alternatively house aromatherapy inserts. 
     
     
       13. The head mitigating apparatus of  claim 1  wherein all inflatable bladders are interconnected. 
     
     
       14. The head mitigating apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the area of each bladder(s) and the force of air delivered by the pump into said bladder(s) may create a P h  of at least 0.01 lb f /in 2  in each bladder whereas P h =F a /A b . 
     
     
       15. The head mitigating apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the summative P h  from the bladder(s) creates a F h  greater than 0.1 kg·m/s 2  to the user's head/neck whereas P h =Pressure in bladders, F h =Force applied to the head, F a =force applied by pump to an individual bladder, A b =the area of an individual bladder and P h =F a /A b . 
     
     
       16. A headache mitigating apparatus comprising:
 at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about a front to back circumference of a head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap having an internal releasably inflatable bladder to apply pressure against the suboccipital area; wherein the first adjustable strap also has an internal releasably inflatable bladder. 
 
     
     
       17. A headache mitigating apparatus comprising:
 at least a first adjustable strap which snugly engages about a front to back circumference of a head and at least a second adjustable strap extending downwardly and rearwardly from opposite positions along the first adjustable strap into a position where it abuts an area known as the suboccipital area, with at least the second adjustable strap being internally releasably inflatable to apply pressure against the suboccipital area; wherein the first adjustable strap is also internally releasably inflatable, wherein the straps further include cavities therein into which replaceable hot or cold inserts may be inserted to apply heat or cold as desired.